Public Officials Condemn Threats of Violence

We appreciate the statement of support from Ohio public officials condemning threats of violence against Beachwood's Mandel Jewish Community Center.

Senator Sherrod Brown

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today released the following statement in response to a bomb threat called into the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood yesterday. During a meeting last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Brown raised concerns about the increase in anti-Semitic rhetoric. Brown has also spoken out against anti-Semitic vandalism and threats to Jewish Community Centers in Ohio and around the country.

“Ohio will not tolerate efforts to intimidate or endanger our friends and neighbors. Every American has a responsibility to stand against acts of hate and threats of violence,” Brown said. “I raised the growing number of hateful acts in Ohio and the rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu last week, and I am calling on President Trump to speak out against hate and stand with the Jewish community in denouncing these actions."

“I am also grateful to local law enforcement and JCC security officers for their efforts to investigate these threats and keep centers safe across Ohio and across the country.”

Congressman Dave Joyce

“It breaks my heart that once again the Jewish community is being threatened. I stand together with the Jewish community in denouncing this hatred. I also signed a bipartisan letter to Secretary Kelly, Attorney General Sessions, and Director Comey expressing concerns regarding the recent barrage of threatening attacks on Jewish Community Centers throughout our country.

This year alone, there have been at least 69 incidences targeting 54 JCC’s covering 27 different states, including the recent threat at the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood.

I urge the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to address these threats immediately and provide guidance to Congress on the necessary steps to combat this anti-Semitic violence and what can be done to deter future threats.”